Ma TM, Kang H, Rowe SP, Kiess AP. Response to R-CHOP in HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma of base of tongue: a case report.
CANCERS OF THE HEAD & NECK 2018;
3:2. [PMID:
31093355 PMCID:
PMC6460839 DOI:
10.1186/s41199-018-0028-6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background
Synchronous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare clinical scenario. It is unknown whether the R-CHOP chemotherapy for lymphoma would also be active against HNSCC. Herein, we present such a case and a review of the literature.
Case presentation
A 64 year-old female presented with painless jaundice. CT demonstrated a retroperitoneal mass and pathology showed follicular lymphoma. A base-of-tongue HPV+ squamous cell carcinoma was found incidentally on staging CT. R-CHOP chemotherapy was initiated. After 3 cycles of R-CHOP the lymphoma had a complete metabolic response and, unexpectedly, the HNSCC also demonstrated excellent response. The patient received another 3 cycles followed by radiation to the HNSCC and to date is in remission for both cancers.
Conclusions
This case highlights the exquisite sensitivity of HPV-related HNSCC, which should be taken into consideration in treatment prioritization of a concurrent diagnosis of a second cancer.
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